2014 Nissan Versa Note showcased at NAIAS

Nithyanandh K, As a toddler, those wheeled machinery fascinated me even before I knew what they’re called as! So here I'm, petrolhead by birth, Mechanical engineer by qualification and automotive reporter by profession!

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The Nissan Sunny is what the Americans know as the Versa. The Versa sedan graduated to its new generation last year and its now the Versa hatchback’s turn. Known as the Nissan Versa Note, it was showcased at NAIAS yesterday.

The Nissan Versa is based on the Nissan V Platform which is the manufacturer’s global platform for compact cars. The Nissan Micra is also based on the V platform but the Versa Note is a more upmarket hatchback which is already on sale in Japan and Europe.

The Versa Note is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol motor which generates 109 bhp, which is less than its predecessor’s 122bhp, however the new car compensates the lower power output by being lighter. The engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission, the latter has a rated fuel economy of 16.93 kpl.

The car has a conservative design with ample interior space which would appeal to people who seek practicality. Nissan claims that the Versa Note has the best-in-class boot space at 605 litres. There is a hidden storage space underneath the cargo floor.

The hatchback is richly equipped with features like a four speaker audio system, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB input with iPod control and steering-mounted controls for audio and Bluetooth. The car also gets Around View Monitor which offers a bird’s eye view of the car for easy parking.

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is expected to be launched in the U.S. in June and will be available in three variants – S, S+ and SV.